Ex-Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant willing to extend Singapore trial

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant says that he will stay as long as it takes to secure a contract with S.League side, Tampines Rovers.

The trial was originally supposed to be one week, but the ex-England Under-21 star has indicated that he will extend his stay in Singapore, if necessary, to earn one of the three import spots for the 2016 season.

Crunch day for Pennant could come on Friday -- his 33rd birthday -- when Tampines head to Malaysia for a pre-season tour. If he is part of the touring squad, it will be a huge step towards finalising a deal -- and a place in the team for the AFC Champions League qualifier against I-League champions, Mohan Bagun, in Kolkata on Jan. 27.

After arriving in Singapore last Thursday, Pennant has impressed the club with his attitude and showed glimpses of his old form in a trial match against Hougang United on Saturday night. He played the second half and set up the second goal in a 2-0 victory at Jalan Besar Stadium.

"It's only his third day here and he hasn't trained too much with the team," Sundramoorthy said.

"But already, physically he looks all right and he was comfortable on the ball, making some good passes. Once he understands his teammates better, he'll be in a good position to help us score more goals."

Pennant failed to secure a contract when he underwent a one-month trial with Thai Premier League club Muang Thong United at the end of last year.